After Chanvit, who led Thailand to a seventh successive SEA Games title in the Philippines two years ago, stunned the public by revealing his decision to accept the new post earlier this week, the FAT moved quickly to find his successor.

"We've no problem with Chanvit and wish him success," said Vijit Getkaew, the FAT president.

Regarding the appointment of Thongsuk, Vijit said: "After consideration, we agreed to stick with the existing staff who were in charge in the recent Asean Football Championship … We consented to promote Thongsuk as head coach.

"We've also restored Virat Chanpanich to the managerial position while the current team manager Tawatchai Sajjakul will act as a team consultant. The new management team will oversee the team's preparation," Vijit said.

Thongsuk, whose official appointment is still pending, said: "After 10 years working with Chanvit, I think I'm ready for the job. For the team preparation plan, let's wait until I'm officially appointed to the position."

Virat, who previously announced he would not work with the FAT again after he resigned as team manager last year, revealed that he still did not know about the report that the FAT had decided to reappoint him.

In December, Virat left the post in controversial circumstances following a rift in the player call-up for the national team to prepare for the King's Cup tournament.

Virat said he was unable to say whether he would accept the post as he needed to have further discussions with the FAT about his role.

"We have to talk about the details of a team manager's role," Virat said.